No fewer than 1,000 students from tertiary institutions in Nigeria benefited from the N50 million bursary award provided by the Senator representing Osun Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Olubiyi Fadeyi.
The programme accommodated students from public and private institutions who are indigenes of the 10 local governments of the senatorial district.
The beneficiaries are students in 100 level, final year undergraduates, Masters’ Degree Students and PhD researchers.
Each of the PhD students who benefited from the award was given N70,000, Medical Students N50,000, Law students N50,000, Final Year students N50,000 and newly admitted students N20,000.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Senator Fadeyi, popularly known as Ajagunnla, said the bursary initiative was borne out of his passion for education.
Ajagunla stressed the need for the judicious utilisation of the bursary, urging the youth to focus on their education, as it is the most powerful force to drive change in the society.
He commended President Bola Tinubu on the signing of the Amended Students’ Loan Act, stressing that efforts are on to make the programme seamless and impactful.
The Senator said: “It is about giving back to the society, through human capital development for the students, which we started last year. Last year, we had a tertiary bursary award for fresh students, final year undergraduates, Masters and Ph.D. students, as well as about 650 students whom we gave scholarships. We can see that our Governor has been doing tremendously well in the area of education and this is to support him.
“The programme is out of my passion for the development of the students. I grew up in an environment that valued education and this is why I am deeply committed to education. I want to urge the students not to divert this financial support but use it exactly, for the intended purpose.
“The truth is that education will forever remain golden and we must all, as young people, take it seriously.”
In their separate remarks, the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, and the Olufon of Ifon, Oba Peter Oluwole, called on the students to prioritise their education.
They commended Fadeyi for providing the bursary, noting that there is no greater investment than being educated.
Oba Abolarin said: “We should appreciate the Senator. He is investing in the future. I admire investments in the future. The future of Nigeria, Osun State, and Osun Central Senatorial District are students and I am advising that nobody should deceive you. You hold a special place in the future. Always aspire to be great and be committed to your education.
“Distinguished Senator Ajagunla, you are planting a seed. Some of the little problems the students are facing will be resolved. This is quite a laudable initiative that should be applauded by all.”
Corroborating the monarchs, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, Hon. Sunday Bisi, lauded the federal lawmaker for the initiative aimed at augmenting the efforts of Governor Adeleke in the education sector.
Bisi emphasised the need for well-meaning individuals in the society to take pride in the education of the people, stressing that it is the best legacy.
The event featured the presentation of cheques to the students, among others.
The beneficiaries commended Fadeyi for supporting their education career through the bursary award.
Of the beneficiaries, Fatai Oladimeji, a final year student of Obafemi Awolowo University, said the financial support has lessen the burden of paying tuition fee and buy books for him.
Sodiq Yusuf is a trained media practitioner and journalist with considerable years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. His interests cover a wide range of causes in politics, governance, sports, community development, and good governance.
